Mark 13:1-8 (NRSV)
Read Mark 13:1-8 on biblegateway.com
Verse 3When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately,
Verse 4"Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign that all these things are about to be accomplished?"
Verse 5Then Jesus began to say to them, "Beware that no one leads you astray.
Verse 6Many will come in my name and say, 'I am he!' and they will lead many astray.
Verse 7When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come.
Verse 8For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. This is but the beginning of the birthpangs.
Devotion
There are times when it feels like I am standing in the middle of a tornado and I have no idea what is really going on in my life. When I feel out of control and my life is running me ragged, I have to stop and question my relationship with God. I have to ask myself, "When was the last time I have actually stopped and talked with God?" When I do this, I usually come to the realization that my life is out of control because I have been the center of my life and God has been pushed aside.
We human beings build structures to make ourselves feel secure, but real security only comes when we take the time to nourish our relationship with God. Reading scripture and taking time for daily devotions are precious means of giving thanks for all we have, but we must also converse with the Lord to nurture our relationship with God.
Prayer
Lord, nothing we build as human beings is ever permanent. Lord, help us to remember that you have always been with us and invite us daily to talk with you and nurture the relationship you crave to have with us, for we are all your children. Amen.